Naples Daily News, Letter to the Editor

Shane Heitt, EDPR NA Operation Manager

In response to "The science is not settled" letter. Clean energy does more than help fight against climate change; it also brings an economic boost to our state in the form of good-paying, reliable jobs — which means food on families’ tables and money in Texans’ pockets — and in this economy, that’s more important than ever. My family and I are a perfect example of the economic benefit of clean energy. As an operations manager at EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA), I have the privilege of helping to produce energy -- powering homes and businesses across the state.

At Wildcat Creek Wind Farm in Cooke County, Texas, we see the impact of renewable energy development in Texas. Since starting operations, Wildcat Creek Wind Farm has generated enough energy to power 39,000 Texan homes and provides significant economic benefits to the community in the form of landowner payments, local spending, job creation, and annual community investment for generations to come. These numbers are more than figures — they are real-life impacts of clean energy on Texas communities, businesses, and families, and we should be pushing for an even greater expansion of clean energy throughout the state.